The Life and Times of Jarik Solo

Chapter 12

A while later, when Jarik finally emerged from hyperspace, he was entirely refreshed and rejuvenated. As he looked at the bright yellow planet ahead of him, he knew that he was ready to face whatever dangers awaited him there.

Tatooine was not by any means a safe planet, but there was no Imperial presence whatsoever. It was a Outer Rim planet of no particular importance, and as such, was largely ignored by the Empire. The planet was, however, teeming with slave traders, bounty hunters, and druken nobodies, as well as being the home of the notorious Jabba the Hutt.

This time around, Jarik was determined not to fall for the same tricks he'd fallen pray to back on Falleen. There wouldn't be any military officials or guards to worry about here, but there were pleny of beings who weren't below stealing a ship from someone, though he supposed that he himself would fit in that category.

As Jarik navigated down to where he assumed was a spaceport, he realized that he didn't yet have an excuse to justify for the thousands of credits worth of cargo he'd lost back on Falleen. He was already very late for the delivery to Coruscant and he wasn't sure he'd ever make that delivery.

Jumping down from the ramp, he was thankful he had a cloak hiding his face. All around him, people of countless species wandered around aimlessly, picking fights with anyone who looked at them funny. A sudden wave of nostalgia hit him. It's just like Nar Shaddaa, he thought. Just like home.

Gazing around with his head down, Jarik caught the eye of a young human boy who was probably only a few standard years younger than him. He looked back at Jarik unflinchingly, and only broke eye contact when Jarik snapped his head forward and started walking faster.

I really hope he isn't looking to rob me, he thought, then laughed. The kid would be sorely disappointed if he did rob Jarik. Not only was he falt out broke, he didn't have anything of value on him, save for his stingbeam, which he kept his hand on full time.

Jarik looked around for any buildings that resembled a cantina or bar. He'd needed a drink since leaving Falleen, and the dry heat of Tatooine wasn't doing him any favours.

Unfortunately, before he could get very far, he tripped. Right on to the large Zabrak man sitting against a building wall. Who spilled his drink all over itself.

Before Jarik-or the Zabrak-could entirely register what happened, a hand gripped his upper arm and jerked him up to a standing position.

"Run!" a voice near him yelled. And run, he did. Still being pulled along by the mysterious cloaked figure. Jarik was still in a daze. All the running wasn't helping at all, and he still had no idea where he was going.

Finally, they stopped. From what Jarik could see, it was an alley full of garbage. As he bent over to catch his breath, he heard the same voice say "Sorry." Looking up, he saw a familiar face looming above him.

And then everything went black.